Loading of vehicles

This chapter covers the offences and subsequent enforcement and penalties of overloaded vehicles. It also provides advice on how to avoid overloading and the rules around load security.

Updates for 2024:

  • Updated text regarding the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) published revision to the categorisation of defects guidance. 

  • Reference to new load security Code of Practice added. 

 

Download the loading of vehicles chapter of the Yearbook of Road Transport Law

Contents:

  • Overloading.
  • How to avoid overloading.
  • Enforcement.
  • Load security.
  • High loads.
  • Lorry loader and skip loader operator training.

 

Why is Loading Goods Securely so Important to Fleet Operators?

Loading goods securing them for the journey and unloading them safely at the other end are core activities of any fleet operator. Yet unlike many other subject covered in the handbook there is no detailed regulatory framework specifically for these issues. There is however sufficient legislation available for authorities to prosecute an operator for failing to carry loads in a secure manner or to load or unload goods in an unsafe way.

Download the loading of vehicles chapter of the Yearbook of Road Transport Law

Explore our variety of safe loading products

Tools to aid loading of vehicles, safe loading booklets, slings & crane pads

Safe Loading Products